To begin with, those who come to Finland don't necessarily assume that our culture is so rich. Central Finland's countryside and stunning forest landscapes may create an image of a simple, natural people. But this could not be further from the truth.
The culture of Finnish museums is a treasure trove for those who are prepared to dive deeper into it. One story that has remained vivid is the story of the Brass Bell. The brass bell is one of the most famous artefacts in Finnish history. It is kept in the National Museum in Helsinki and has a special significance for Finnish culture.
The story behind the brass bell is fascinating. It is strongly linked to Finnish history, shipping and past beliefs. The brass bell was found in a medieval tomb and is thought to have been part of the burial of the richest man in the cemetery. The bell is made of copper alloy, hence its special, fuzzy sound. The bell is believed to ring only when the sea is calm and free of storms - whispering to us the stories of the past.
Our museum culture is full of such stories. Each object has its own history, its own secrets, just waiting to be revealed. They offer a window into the past - through generations, through periods, through history. They are silent witnesses to a time when the world was very different. They are stories of our people's history, stories of survival, ingenuity and skill.
In summary, the story of the brass bell gives us a valuable insight into our culture. It reflects the ties that Finns have with the past and we want to understand it better. So, when we return to the museum to explore new objects, there is always a heady combination of dust and history in the air, reminding us how far we have come - and how far we still have to go. Museums give us the tools to understand and appreciate the diversity of our culture - they are indeed treasure troves that open doors to Finland's fascinating history.
The whisper of a brass bell is just one of the countless stories that the corridors of Finnish museums whisper in our ears. They are all part of this wonderful cultural heritage that has so much to offer. So, next time you step into a Finnish museum, listen to the silence - can you hear the bell whisper?